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AUGUSTA, Maine - Michelle Belanger, an eight year veteran of the Maine Warden Service, was promoted to sergeant and will lead the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's landowner relations program. The promotion was announced at the Landowner of the year banquet last night in Augusta where thirteen landowners were honored for their work in granting access to the sporting public. Belanger takes over the duties of Sergeant David Peppard who retired at the end of August. Belanger is responsible for overseeing the Department's landowner relations program, in addition to supervising the whitewater boating officer. The Landowner Relations program works as a liaison between key landowners and managers and land users to insure the highest degree of outdoor recreation access. She previously held the position of Whitewater Boating Officer and prior to that was a District Game Warden in Cumberland and Aroostook Counties. Belanger is also a member of the Maine Warden Service K-9 Team. "The Landowner Program is a very significant responsibility and function of the department," said Colonel Timothy E. Peabody, "We are pleased to promote Michelle to this very important position. Michelle has demonstrated through past performance that she has the people skills and administrative potential necessary to successfully and effectively manage our Landowner Relations efforts." At the banquet, thirteen landowners from all over the state were honored last night for their role in providing access to the sporting public. Nominations papers were sent out to 650 snowmobile, ATV and sporting clubs all over the state early last February. Selections are made in four categories from the nominations received. The winners, the nominating club and in what category and are listed below: Faulkner Family Eastern Maine Snowmobile Club Private under 100 acres |